New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of six lives in a massive fire at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district. The incident occurred at the Lakshmi Ganapathi Fireworks unit in Komaripalem village, Ambedkar Konaseema district, leaving six people dead and four others severely injured.
In a post shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, Modi said, “The loss of lives due to a mishap in Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Fire erupts during manufacturing work
According to Rayavaram police, the fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon while workers were engaged in manufacturing fireworks inside the unit. The flames spread rapidly through the premises, trapping several workers who were unable to escape. Eyewitnesses from nearby villages described the scene as horrifying, with thick smoke billowing from the building as emergency crews rushed to the site.
Local authorities, including police and fire department officials, responded promptly to contain the blaze and prevent further casualties. Revenue officials and senior fire officers arrived soon after to oversee rescue and relief operations.
Injured shifted to Rajamahendravaram hospital
The injured were immediately transported to the Rajamahendravaram Government Hospital for advanced medical care. Officials said efforts are underway to identify the deceased and determine the exact cause of the explosion. Initial reports suggest that sparks from manufacturing activities may have ignited the stored chemicals, leading to the devastating fire.
CM Naidu orders probe and relief measures
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed deep grief over the incident and spoke to officials for a detailed assessment. In a post on X, Naidu wrote, “A fire accident at the Bana Sancha manufacturing centre in Rayavaram, Konaseema district, has caused a stir. The loss of several lives in this tragic accident has caused immense grief. I spoke with officials about the causes of the accident, the current situation, relief measures, and medical assistance.”
Naidu directed senior officials to visit the accident site and participate in relief efforts. “I have instructed senior officials to visit the incident site personally and participate in relief efforts. I have advised that better medical aid be provided to the injured. We stand with the affected families,” he said.
Safety concerns over fireworks manufacturing units
This incident once again highlights the persistent safety lapses at firecracker manufacturing units in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where such accidents have been reported in the past. Officials from the district administration have assured that an inquiry will be launched to determine if safety protocols were violated at the Konaseema unit.
The state government has also announced compensation for the families of the deceased and promised to strengthen fire safety measures in fireworks factories across the state to prevent similar tragedies in the future.